Lifestyle & Travel Blog

10 Things You Must See on Your First Visit to Paris

The first time I started traveling I was exploring every city on foot. That way I was able to tailor my trip the way I wanted.

But eventually I became more experienced and I learned to value my time more. I want to spend quality time in every city that I visit and see as much as possible in a short period of time. There were times when I was dragging my 2 large suitcases from La Guardia Airport to 8th Avenue & West 122nd Street in a bus. It is time consuming and at some point difficult to pull.

For my trip to Paris I wanted to change that and for the first time I wanted to have comfortable but still affordable holiday. After all, there are so many things that one needs to see in the “City of Lights” so wasting time on changing different public transportation was not an option this time.I found a great service that takes you from the airport to the hotel in no time. I arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport and took a taxi, that I booked prior to my trip, to my hotel. Thanks to Top Paris Transfer I managed to see everything that was on my list. The cab driver was really nice and he gave me some tips for my trip. You can check the prices here.

In this post you will find some of the most iconic spots, that you should not miss on your first trip to Paris, but does not include everything you can see or do.

Paris is the city of culture, it is beautiful and historic and it should be on everyone`s bucket list.

Eiffel Tower

This comes as cliché, but Eiffel Tower is the first thing I remember when I think of Paris. It is the symbol of Paris and it is magnificent. For that reason it is a great place to start exploring the city. If you want you can ride the elevator up the tower and it is well worth it because the view is amazing.

There is a lawn nearby where you can hang out or have a picnic on the grass. Seeing the Eiffel Tower at night with all those lights is something I will never forget.

The Louvre

The Louvre is probably one of the most popular museums in the world. It is the place where you can find the popular Mona Lisa but also many more famous paintings. This place was a fortress initially but with time it became a museum. This is a place that you should not miss, no matter whether you are an artsy type or not.

Notre Dame

Your trip to Paris cannot be complete if you miss the Notre Dame. This church is excuisite. It is a true example of a gothic cathedral and you can go inside or climb the 400 steps that will take you on the top of the church where you have another breathtaking view of Paris. The church was finished in 1365, after 200 years of construction. Climbing the stairs and getting close to the bell tower was really exciting and I am sure that it will be exciting for all those who have read The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Arc de Triomphe

At the end of Champs-Elysees you will find the massive Arc de Triomphe. This is a place that you just cannot miss. Climb to the top just before sunrise because you want to see those streets during the day and also during the night as well.

The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a very popular attraction that you cannot miss. The palace itself is luxurious and it was constructed in 1623. Later the palace became the center of political power during the French Revolution. Louis XIV is the one who transformed the building and gave the look that it has now. You can visit many rooms and galleries inside and some of the gardens outside.

Montmartre Walk

Montmartre is a Parisian district that I simply cannot get enough of. As you walk the cobblestone alleys you can hear authentic French music performed by street artists and see vintage stores which will take you back to the Belle Epoque. You can also visit the most popular cabaret in the world here, The Moulin Rouge but it is a bit pricey.

Basilica of Sacre Coeur

The Basilica of Sacre Coeur or also known as the Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Paris is one of my favourite attractions in Paris. I am not a religious person per se, but this Roman Catholic church is astonishing. You simply cannot miss it. It was built on the highest point in the city so you have to climb some stairs to get there but the view of the city is well worth it. You can go inside but also there are paid tours for the crypt and dome.

Les Invalides

Les Invalides is actually a complex of buildings that is dedicated to the military history of France and the resting home of Napoleon Bonaparte. Les Invalides is recognizable by its golden dome and the green lawn. At first the purpose of these buildings was a retirement home and a hospital but later it was repurposed. So today there is also a church and couple of different museums.

Palais de Luxembourg

Palais de Luxembourg covers 60 acres of lawns, statues and fountains where you can take a perfect stroll. What not many people know is that the Luxemburg Palace houses the French Senate and the debates are open to the public 3 days a week.

Palais Garnier

You do not have to be an opera fan to admire the Palais Garnier. This attraction is so popular in paris so Parisians only call it “the opera”. There are performances that you can attend, mostly ballet, but free tours are also available. This building is amazing and it is also the inspiration for “Phantom of the Opera”. The palace was built as part of the great Parisian reconstruction project and it took 15 years to finish.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Paris check TripAdvisor and Booking.com where you can find the best deals and read honest reviews from travelers.

You do not have to be a kid to enjoy Disneyland. I used to spend lots of time in Disneyland in Orlando , so when I travelled to Paris I had to see this amusement park too. It is located 32 km from Paris, and once again I thought that it would be really time wasting to use the public transportation to get there. This time I have used the service of Piyo Cab and thanks to their Budget Family pack we had an affordable and comfortable ride. This park was known as Euro Disney at the beginning but then it had its name changed. This is the most visited theme park so you have to visit it.

This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

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Have you been to Paris before? How did you like it and what would you add to the list of the “must see” things in Paris?

Ya know, as cliché as it is, it’s true. The Eiffel tower is amazing and I never got enough of seeing it while I was in Paris, especially at night. When the lights start to dance along the tower every hour on the hour, it’s amusing to hear all the people there ooo and aaaah. lol I loved it! You can really fall in love with a place like Paris. I did!

I love Paris so much, I’m lucky enough to have visited quite a lot and stayed for Christmas one year which was just magical! The first time I visited it just took my breathe away and I’ve been hooked ever since!

My dad started a list of must-sees in Paris for me after he made his first trip. Not surprising, many of the sites he listed are the same as your list, but man-oh-man your pics are fantastic. I’m getting the major travel bug!

Paris and I have a love/hate relationship! I had a very bad experience during my visit which definitely put a taint on my trip BUT i must say there was nothing cooler than turning a corner and seeing the eiffel tower peeking through above the buildings. AMAZING! And seeing the mona lisa up close!

This is a wonderful list of things to be done in Paris while visiting for the first time. I have been to Paris couple of times and I totally recommend following a plan to save time and make the most of it; as this city can get very overwhelming for the unplanned. 🙂

Oh, Paris has to be my next stop. Along with Italy 🙂 I sooooo wish I had gone with my husband all those times he traveled for work and invited me to tag along… I was too busy working in my career then, and now 3 kids later… well, it’s a waiting game before we can head to Europe together again 🙂

Heather

Paris has always fascinated me especially “The Louvre”. A) because it is home for the masterpieces created by the famous painters the world has ever know. B) because it was part of the movie “DaVinci Code” and i love that movie.
Thank you for sharing this.

I’ve been dying to go to Paris! My great-grandmother was from France, so I’ve always wanted to go, but this year I’ve wanted to go even more! I hope to go very soon (within the next year) & your blog is very helpful!

Paris is a place for people of all ages and cultures! It provides the largest concentration of tourist attractions in France, i would love to see Paris someday, its already in my wishlist, specially Eiffel Tower
Kialash

I haven’t been to central Paris for some years (we went to Disney about 7 years ago though). You mention all my favourite places.. I think my most favourite is Mont Matre…we bought a painting of the Moulin Rouge there 15 years ago and only recently got round to getting it framed!

I have not been to Paris before, but as you say, it is on my bucket list of things to do someday. Of course you showed me pictures of so many thing that I already wanted to do. But thank you for adding a couple more I hadn’t heard of. I really like the Montmartre Walk that you displayed pictures of. It looks so old world and refreshing.

I went to Paris when I was in high school on a school trip and I remember seeing a lot of these things. But there are some I wish I would have visited and others I wish I would have appreciated more. It’s such a beautiful city, I hope to go back one day.

Joanna

I would love to visit Paris, even if I live just 2 hours away with the Eurostar I never did. I would surely love to walk along the streets of Montmartre and visit Notre Dame cathedral. A visit to Disneyland would be a nice bonus.

I’ve visited Paris many times and agree that these are must see tourist sites if it’s your first time going! In fact, I still visit some of these places when I go back – some are just too beautiful to see just one time only. =) Great Paris list!

Oh La La Paris! I still remember when I visited 17 years ago… I was 10 at the time but remember every second of it, I fell in love and can’t wait to go back…. I visited most of the places you listed here but not all of them! it’s nice to learn about them and visit them when I have the chance (hopefully soon).

This is an excellent resource. We are going on a family trip there next March to celebrate my daughter graduating from school. May be last big family trip for a while so we will try to squeeze in as much of this as possible.

Paris is on our bucket list. We were all set to go a few years ago but something came up with our daughter and we had to cancel at the last minute. Thank you for sharing a list of things to do if we ever actually get to go!

I love all of these suggestions! I’ll have to bookmark it for when I actually can get a trip planned out there. Also, I had no idea that there is a Disney in Paris. That would totally be on the top of my list!

I have lived seven years in Paris and my parents live not so far away so I get to see the city quite often. I have been to all these places and they are amazing indeed. But you can find more exclusive and nicer places else where in the city. Le Marais is amazing, Orsay is too. They are less touristy places to consider too 🙂

Oh Paris! How lovely, it’s one of my favourite places to visit. I love anywhere with history and great streets for walking and exploring. And the pastry is to die for so it’s a perfect spot to visit. I must go back!

I think after Eiffel tower, Disneyland ranks really high on every Indians visit to Paris. There is no doubt that Eiffel tower is landmark attraction in Paris. I guess no tourist will miss Eiffel tower.

Personally Paris has never been one of my favorite places, perhaps it’s because I’ve been there a few times being from Europe, and I’ve always found it gets very romanticized by movies but isn’t quite like that. There are some truly beautiful parts of France and in Paris but I went there on my Honeymoon and it was so dirty and the people were so rude. I do think that the view from the top of Galleries Lafayette is stunning though and the The Pont Alexandre III bridge. Maybe I will go back someday and be able to enjoy it more next time.

How beautiful! I’ve never been to Paris, but it is at the top of my travel list. Thanks for sharing these recommendations and your experiences. I’m living vicariously : )
xoxo,
Livhttp://www.livslookbook.com

Rebecca Swenor

Paris has always been on my bucket list of places to visit. It is so romantic and gorgeous there. I would love to see the Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles. The history in Paris is amazing too. Thanks for sharing these amazing places to visit in Paris.

Wonderful post! We went to Paris in June and LOVED it! It was my second time, but my husband’s first time there. We stayed near MonteMarte and found ourselves sitting on the steps of the Sacre-Couer several nights to watch the city light up. It was amazing!

I think of all the sites you mentioned, I would most like to visit the churches. I grew up in Montreal, which is full of beautiful cathedrals and old church buildings. These are often some of the best sites to see, and usually free to visit.

Some people are sniffy about the big famous places and always pride themselves on finding the unbeaten path but I feel sorry for them missing out on the great sights of the world, such as these classic sites for Paris. I feel you haven’t visited the city if you don’t see these. Of course you can explore the smaller neighbourhoods and joys of the city as well but the big sights are popular for a good reason!

Lovely article with some good ideas. I personally didn’t like Paris as a city that much when I visited it (I know that this is a very unpopular opinion), but there are some fantastic buildings. The Basilica of Sacre Coeur is probably my favorite of your list and of course all the good cheese you can get there 😀

I love Paris and I agree with you regarding the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, it is one my favourites too. The view is amazing! I have been to Euro Disney as well, I went a long time ago in the month of February and there were no lines for any of the rides. I enjoyed reading your article, brought back great memories!

What a perfect list to get started with in Paris! I have still never been but I know I will make it there one day and all of these places are must-sees! I love your night shot from the top of Notre Dame (with the Gargoyle looking out over the city). Great tip about pre-booking a taxi as well – landing at an international airport with all of your luggage is always overly stressful.

We visited Paris back in 2012 and due to personal reasons didn’t have the best time. I’d like to go back one day and explore it again. We always try to travel efficiently now by planning out our stops and finding tour guides for the necessary places beforehand.

Hi Elena, thanks for nice write up about Paris-indeed it is a place that everyone should visit. All the places you mentioned represent big part of French and European history. I loved the Notre Dame, even if its still some years since I paid a visit. I love your pictures!

I did alright for my first visit and got 8 out of your 10! I didn’t go to the last two palaces, but I did some extra things like the Museé d’Orsay and Sainte Chapelle, that I would highly recommend as well! I need to get back and finish up your list!

aareeba

Wow , Am planning my trip to Paris soon and I loved all these places , But sadly Disney is not on my list as I have been to Disney here in California and Orlando . But the rest are great. Am definitely saving this list

elizabeth o

Like every major city around the world, the beauty of Paris is that there is so much to see and do that one must make plans to return again and again. Two more places I’d add to your list are Place de la Concorde and Jardin des Tuileries/ Tuileries Garden. I never tire of Paris.

I’ve never been to Paris and this is such a great collection of places to visit. I realize that many of them are the iconic, touristy sites, but I’m a firm believer that these are popular for a reason! I think you’ve gotta see them!

Paris is on my bucket list! I want to go and I keep telling my husband he needs to take me there. I’ve been checking out some places I would love to visit and so this must be added to my list! Saving for later!

Thanks for consolidating this list! Paris is not really my dream destination but Im curious enough to go and see what the hoopla is all about 🙂 And will keep this list for sure! And thanks for adding Disney at the end haha. My cousin grew up in Paris and I am jealous on her Disney pics as were growing up lol

I am ashamed to admit that i have been to 10 european coutrys. And none of them is paris (but i have been disneyland paris. But as a young teen) your photos look amazing. Thanks for the guide. I have to get myself a weekend off and follow this step by step.